Twins behind Regina sledge hockey team 'equals' on the ice

Avengers team created with equal play in mind for twin brothers, one with cerebral palsy

An Avengers sledge hockey player gets ready to take the ice on Jan. 30, 2016. (Dean Gutheil/CBC)

As a child, 14 year old Bryson Bolianatz could only watch as his twin brother Tanner pursued his passion for hockey.

Bryson was born with cerebral palsy.

"All the muscles in my body are tight, especially in my legs," he said.

But in 2010, Bryson discovered sledge hockey watching the Vancouver Olympics. Sledge hockey is similar to traditional hockey, except the players are strapped into a sled.

Finally, Bryson said he found a sport he could play alongside his brother.

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"I thought it was cool. When everyone's in a sled, it doesn't matter if you're disabled or not."

Tanner thought the same thing, so their parents formed the Regina Avengers sledge hockey team.

This weekend, the Avengers are among seven teams from across western Canada competing in Regina's third annual sledge hockey tournament at Evraz Place.

Tanner plays centre, Bryson plays left wing.

"There's no disabilities now. You're both equals," said Tanner, who's two minutes younger than Bryson.

"It's taught me that just because you're confined to a chair doesn't mean that you're not able."

Their father Rick says there's nothing quite like seeing his twin sons play hockey together.

"It's been a big inspiration for my wife and I and our family. It's very fulfilling. It was Tanner's decision to do it. They treat each other as equals on and off the ice. Tanner doesn't look at Bryson as being disabled."

Bryson says he's happy to be playing with able-bodied athletes, but he likes to think they're fortunate to be playing with him as well.

"They get to interact with disabled people. They get to see what other peoples' lives are like... everyday."

Now that he's on a level playing field with this twin brother... or ice surface in this case, Bryson was asked who's the better sledge hockey player.

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